On Saturday, 20 youth athletes competed in a judo tournament at the dojo in Pasea.
During three-minute matches, athletes were scored on throws, holds, and pins. Each match started when the referee shouted, “Hajime” (begin) and finished when he said, “Matte” (end). There were several decisive victories, however, many ended in a draw.
Aside from winning and losing, respect for others and discipline are some of the core lessons in judo, according to a release sent to this newspaper.
“You don’t leave your judo on the mat,” said instructor Mark Hooper. “When you go home, it is still with you. You still respect people around you, and you’re kind to people.”
Liam Blok won the Heavyweight Division over Anton Lichota. However, Anton earned the Most Improved award.
The outcome of the match between Michael Chen and Guilliame Parsons was overshadowed by an announcement made by Mr. Hooper after the bout. The two athletes had just earned the two highest marks in the territory on their Primary 5 academic exam.
“All the kids did great and I’m proud of all of them,” said Mike Hallet, who had two sons competing in the tournament.
The competition was the first judo tournament on Tortola in the past 40 years. Organisers now hope to make the tournament an annual event.
For more information about judo and martial arts, contact Mr. Hooper at 494-2891.
RESULTS
Heavyweight:
1. Liam Blok
2. Jade Hodge
3. James Rajic McKnight and
Guilliame Parsons (tie)
Middleweight:
1. Ceiba Dick-Read
2. John Pettigrew
3. Connor MacCallum
Lightweight:
1. Miles Creque
2. Takara Wood
3. Zach Hallet
Best Throw Heavyweight:
Jade Hodge
Best Throw Middleweight:
Alicia Ayers
Best Thrown Lightweight:
Zach Hallet
Most Improved:
Anton Lichota, Connor MacCallum
Tournament Awards:
Derek Pettigrew, Nicoli Jagessar, Michael Chen, Jake Hallet, William Dawson, George Dawson, Johann Blok
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